Choose from 26 Fun Things to Do in Panama City
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Embera Village
Modern Panama is home to seven indigenous tribes, and the Embera is one of its most well known native groups. Part of the Embera tribe migrated from the Choco region of modern day Colombia to Panama in the late 18th century. The indigenous people retain their own language, cuisine, culture, and customs, many of which can be seen on a visit to an Embera village.
Traditional houses are typically built on stilts and often on the riverside, where they are organized into a small community with a communal house at its center. The Embera also keep their own government and family structures. Most of time, villages can only be approached by water; typically a traditional dugout canoe brings in visitors.
As the Embera people live sustainably in the middle of the rainforest and for the most part have resisted modernization, a visit to an Embera village offers a unique glimpse at a preserved way of life. Music and dance, traditional clothing, and indigenous foods are all a part of an immersive experience.
Practical Info
To visit a Embera village, a guided tour is necessary. Tours of the village typically pick visitors up at their Panama City hotel and provide roundtrip transportation. Prices vary depending on length of stay.
Address: Panama
Hours: Open daily 8am-5pm
Admission: With tour only
From $ 59
Casco Viejo
Panama City's oldest and hippest neighborhood comprises a Tejas-tiled cluster of pastel colonial buildings at the tip of a heavily fortified peninsula. These ramparts successfully protected the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific Coast; today they make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with plazas, churches, and narrow streets.
The Basics
This neighborhood is an essential stop on any Panama City itinerary. Take a guided walking tour to see landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio de las Garzas, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, and the National Theater. There’s a tour for every interest: Foodies can eat and drink their way through Casco Viejo, while those with an interest in the Panama Canal can combine a Casco Viejo tour with a visit to the Miraflores Locks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Casco Viejo is one of Panama City’s most atmospheric neighborhoods: a must for couples, history buffs, and first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces; many of the streets are cobbled.
- Sightseeing tours that include Casco Viejo can last from two to eight hours, depending on the activities included.
How to Get There
While the Casco Viejo is well into the process of gentrification, surrounding neighborhoods are not. It’s a good idea to take a taxi, even during the day, or visit the neighborhood as part of a guided tour.
When to Get There
It’s best to visit the neighborhood during the daytime when the majority of its attractions, restaurants, cafés, and shops are open. Some of the city’s top chefs have restaurants in the area—perfect for a dinner date—but this area tends to quiet down early.
Attractions in Casco Viejo
For a relatively small neighborhood, there’s a ton to see and do in Casco Viejo. Learn more about the Eighth Wonder of the World at the Interoceanic Canal Museum, get a sense for the local art scene in one of several galleries, sip a cocktail at a rooftop bar, or shop for handmade indigenous crafts.
Address: Panama City, Pacific Coast & Avenida Central, Panama City, Panama
From $ 52
BioMuseo
In a country with so much biodiversity, it’s not surprising to see a museum dedicated to the natural marvels found here. The 4,000-square-meter BioMuseo was designed by Frank Gehry, the same architect who designed the beautiful Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. This site takes visitors on a journey through time to when the Isthmus of Panama was formed, joined two continents and divided oceans.
There are seven permanent exhibitions that focus on art and science education here. When the isthmus was formed, there was an interchange of species between North and South America, an effect depicted in a series of 72 sculptures of those species. Audiovisual presentations also show the natural wonders of Panama’s ecosystems.
Another exhibition consisting of 16 columns tells the story of the cultural diversity in Panama. Two aquariums examine how the Pacific and the Caribbean changed when they were separated by the isthmus, and another display explores the relationship between Panama’s biodiversity and the rest of the world.
An outdoor Biopark serves as a living extension of the museum, with a selection of endemic plants that contribute to an understanding of Panama's biodiversity and makes for a pleasant place to take a walk.
Practical Info
The BioMuseo is conveniently located on the Amador Causeway with excellent views of the modern city, the Old City, Ancon Hill and the Bridge of the Americas. To get here, take a 15-minute taxi ride from the Albrook terminal or from Panama City’s Plaza 5 de Mayo. Alternatively, a bus can be taken from Plaza 5 de Mayo as well. BioMuseo is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adult nonresidents, $11 for nonresident children under 18, $12 for adult residents and $6 for resident children under 18.
Address: Amador Causeway, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $22 nonresident adults, $11 children under 18. $12 resident adults, $6 children under 18
From $ 18
Parque Natural Metropolitano (Metropolitan National Park)
This amazingly accessible park claims to be Latin America's only municipal wildlife reserve, draped luxuriantly across 232 hectares (573 acres) in the city center. Though not exactly pristine (it was a key staging area the 1989 US invasion), it remains a remarkably well-preserved dry tropical forest, one of the world's most threatened biomes, walking distance from the modern city.
Though hikers never quite escape the drone of civilization, it's easy to forget when wandering 4km (2.5mi) of trails along the Curundo River and up Mirador Cerro Cedro (150m/492ft), the second highest spot in the city. Squirrel monkeys (mono titis), two- and three-toed sloths, coatis, green iguanas, toucans, and many other animals call the park home.
Though hikers never quite escape the drone of civilization, it's easy to forget when wandering 4km (2.5mi) of trails along the Curundo River and up Mirador Cerro Cedro (150m/492ft), the second highest spot in the city. Squirrel monkeys (mono titis), two- and three-toed sloths, coatis, green iguanas, toucans, and many other animals call the park home.
Practical Info
Any Albrook Station bus to the Gran Terminal can drop you at the Universidad de Panamá at Curundo, though taxis are more convenient.
The dry tropical forest is characterized by trees that shed their leaves from December to May, when it's easier to spot wildlife.
The dry tropical forest is characterized by trees that shed their leaves from December to May, when it's easier to spot wildlife.
Address: Avenida Juan Pablo II, between Avenida Ascanio Villalaz and Calle Amistad, Panamá City 0843-03129, Panama
Hours: Open 7am - 5pm daily
Admission: US$2
From $ 90
Ancon Hill
Visible from nearly anywhere in Panama City, Ancon Hill stands proudly above everything else in an otherwise flat region, with its immense flag flying high. At 199 meters above sea level, it’s the highest point within the city, and from the top you can see all the main points of interest. It’s possible to see not only the modern part of Panama City, but also the Panama Canal, the Amador Causeway, the Bridge of the Americas and Old City.
In the middle of this bustling city, Ancon Hill serves as a little natural paradise. The forest has plenty of animals—sloths, armadillos, toucan and deer—and a slow walk up the hill provides the chance to see many of them. Once at the top, spend time watching the ships pass through the canal. It’s a pleasant walk from Mi Pueblito, and serious bikers take the challenge of riding up the hill. Go early to beat the heat, and don’t forget your camera!
There’s also history wrapped up here. The name Ancon was used for the first boat that officially crossed the Panama Canal in 1914, and although it was under the jurisdiction of the United States during part of the 20th century, Panama took control in 1977.
Practical Info
Ancon Hill is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is accessible via taxi from the city or by foot or bike. There is no charge to visit.
Address: Ancon Hill, Balboa, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From $ 65
Metropolitan Cathedral
Located on the Plaza Catedral in the Old City, the Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the most interesting tourist points in the area., as it showcases Panama’s colonial architecture and religious roots.
Work began on the church in 1688 but wasn’t finished until 1796, more than 100 years later. A dark stone façade is flanked by a white bell tower on each side and 67 columns support the high ceiling, while abundant artwork and beautiful stained glass windows complete the decoration.
Having at one time been in disrepair, the church has since benefited from a $4 million renovation. It has also witnessed many important events in Panama’s history, including the day in 1903 when the Republic of Panama declared itself a separate nation from Colombia on the plaza in front of the church.
Practical Info
The church in Old City is accessible from Panama City via a 15-minute taxi ride. There are also buses that drop passengers off at Plaza 5 de Mayo, from which Old City is a 10-minute walk away down the main avenue. The church is free to enter.
Address: Av Central 7-30 E, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Daily
From $ 75
Bayano Lake Caves
Sparkling like a jewel at the edge of the enormous Darién wilderness, tranquil Bayano Lake was created in 1976 and has been a scenic escape from the big city ever since. Monkeys, big cats, and scores of bird species bring in the naturalists, while others visit indigenous Kuna villages, or hire pleasure boat at Puerto Coquira, with fine lake views from ranchero-style restaurants serving fresh tilapia and cold beer.
The famed Bayano Caves riddle the lake's undulating southern shore, a series of caverns carved by crashing waterfalls that echo through each smoothly rounded chamber. Tours include about an hour on the lake and its softly shaded tributaries, followed by a hike through the caverns and crystal clear subterranean streams.
The famed Bayano Caves riddle the lake's undulating southern shore, a series of caverns carved by crashing waterfalls that echo through each smoothly rounded chamber. Tours include about an hour on the lake and its softly shaded tributaries, followed by a hike through the caverns and crystal clear subterranean streams.
Practical Info
Bayano Lake is located 90km (56mi, 1.5hrs) east of Panama City on the Panamerican Freeway.
The caves are generally accessible only by boat, which are either included as part of your tour, or easily arranged by independent travelers at Puerto Coquira.
The caves are generally accessible only by boat, which are either included as part of your tour, or easily arranged by independent travelers at Puerto Coquira.
Address: Panamerican Freeway, Panama
Hours: Open daily
From $ 150
El Nispero Zoo
This nearly seven-acre botanical garden and zoo began as a privately owned nursery, for which the owner gradually began collecting animals and birds. Other people donated animals as well, with the most famous having once belonged to the dictator Manuel Noriega. In time, the site evolved into a public zoo, which now has animals from all around the world, some even from as far away as Madagascar.
Among the endemic animals are the Capuchin and spider monkeys, ocelots, toucans, jaguars, macaws and sloths. This is also one of the best places to see the striking, endangered, Panama native rana dorada, also known as the golden frog.
The onsite Centro de Conservación de Anfibios, with anquarium and exhibits, serves as a center for amphibian studies, sponsored by zoos from the United States. The zoo is surrounded by trees and a botanical garden, a pleasant area to picnic.
Practical Info
The El Nispero Zoo is open daily from 7am to 5pm, and there is parking available at the entrance. It is possible to walk to the zoo from the town of El Valle, and admission costs $5 for foreigners.
Address: El Nispero Zoo, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $5 for foreigners
From $ 100
Panama Canal
The first ships sailed through the Panama Canal in 1914, shaving nearly 9,000 miles off what was otherwise a very long sailing trip around South America. The engineering marvel transformed global trade, and today, 100 years after it was first installed, the canal has once again been expanded with new locks and widened existing ones, modernizing Panama Canal transit by allowing larger ships to pass from Panama City on the Pacific Ocean side to Colon on the Atlantic Ocean side.
The Basics
The best way for Panama visitors to see the canal is to literally get in the middle of it—on a transit or partial transit tour at sea level, travelers can experience the sensation of cruising directly through the canal, watching as the locks fill with water and your ship passes steadily through the three sets of double locks: the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks on the Pacific side, plus the Gatún locks on the Atlantic side. Between the locks is the artificial Gatún Lake (Lago Gatún), created by the Gatún Dam across the Chagres River (Rio Chagres), and the Culebra Cut, the narrowest section of the canal, hewn out of the mountains. It's also possible to see the locks by train, as you pass by the banks and through pristine rain forest en route to Gatún.
How To Get to the Panama Canal
Arrive at the canal via boat, train, bus, or car. The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center has parking, but most visitors arrive as part of a group sightseeing tour with a tour guide.
When To Get There
The morning hours and late afternoon are the best times for actually watching a ship pass through the canal.
Nearby Attractions
The Basics
The best way for Panama visitors to see the canal is to literally get in the middle of it—on a transit or partial transit tour at sea level, travelers can experience the sensation of cruising directly through the canal, watching as the locks fill with water and your ship passes steadily through the three sets of double locks: the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks on the Pacific side, plus the Gatún locks on the Atlantic side. Between the locks is the artificial Gatún Lake (Lago Gatún), created by the Gatún Dam across the Chagres River (Rio Chagres), and the Culebra Cut, the narrowest section of the canal, hewn out of the mountains. It's also possible to see the locks by train, as you pass by the banks and through pristine rain forest en route to Gatún.
Most full- and half-day tours include roundtrip transportation and a visit to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center, a museum that tells the story of this incredible engineering feat through exhibits. The center's restaurant, theater, and terraced decks also provide comfortable vantage points for watching ships pass through. It's also possible to visit the Gatún locks (about an hour from Panama City) to learn about the Panama Canal expansion.
- By booking ahead with a guided tour, there's a much higher likelihood of actually seeing the famous Panama Canal in action.
- Guided boat tours provide the full experience of traveling the Continental Divide
- Travelers can make self-guided visits to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center in Panama City and the Canal Expansion Observation Center in Colon on the Caribbean Sea.
- Stop in for a meal at the Miraflores Restaurant at the Panama Canal to dine while viewing the ships cruise by.
Arrive at the canal via boat, train, bus, or car. The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center has parking, but most visitors arrive as part of a group sightseeing tour with a tour guide.
When To Get There
The morning hours and late afternoon are the best times for actually watching a ship pass through the canal.
Nearby Attractions
A few tours depart from the town of Gamboa, situated at the end of the Gaillard Cut on the Chagres River in the Gamboa Rainforest. Neighboring SoberanÌa National Park, home to diverse bird species, sloths, and jaguars, is often visited along with a native Embera village. The Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador) is also worth a trip; this narrow strip of land is a popular spot for recreation.
Address: Panama
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 50
Bridge of the Americas
The Bridge of the Americas spans the Panama Canal, which is perhaps the most important public works project in history. Made of steel and reinforced concrete, the bridge is 5,425 feet long, and at high tide, the clearance is 201 feet, under which ships crossing the canal must pass.
Twenty million U.S. dollars went into building the four-lane bridge, which replaced smaller ones and greatly increased road travel and capacity over the canal. It was inaugurated on Oct. 12, 1962, and allows the passage of cars, bikes and pedestrians.
The Bridge of the Americas was originally called the Thatcher Ferry Bridge, named after the ferry that used to operate on the canal before the span was built. Panama aptly renamed the bridge, since it not only connects the capital with the rest of Panama, but also unites Central and South America.
The bridge is not just useful, it’s beautiful. Seen from different angles, whether on a sunny or cloudy day, at sunset or when it is brightly lit at night, the Bridge of the Americas is a piece of world history worth the effort to see.
Practical Info
Taxis can be taken from Panama City to the bridge, which is just outside the city limits.
Address: Bridge of the Americas, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Daily
From $ 39
Presidential Palace (Palacio de las Garzas)
“Garzas” is Spanish for herons, and you’ll see the white birds roaming freely in the Andalusian-style courtyard of the Presidential Palace (Palacio de las Garzas) in Panama City. The African herons were a gift celebrating the completion of renovations of the palace in 1922, but they’re not the only famous residents; the President of Panama lives in the upper floors of the building.
Originally built during the seventeenth century when Panama was under control of the Spanish crown, the neoclassical white mansion in Casco Viejo was a customs house for a time before its conversion into the official presidential residence in 1922.
Practical Info
To see inside the palace (and catch a glimpse of the President’s pet birds) you’ll need to reserve a free tour at least two weeks ahead of time. If you don’t have a tour booked, some guards might let you peek into the courtyard.
Address: Av. Alfaro, Panama City, Panama
From $ 75
Amador Causeway
Palm-lined Amador Causeway is famed for the fantastic views of Panama's skyscraping downtown, a yacht-strewn panorama across the Panama Bay to the graceful steel span of the Bridge of the Americas at the entrance of the canal. Scenic running paths follow the water, paved with stones used in the Canal's construction, along a causeway that stretches almost 3km (2mi) into the Pacific, connecting the city to three small islands: Noas, Perico and Flamenco.
Visitors from around the city and world come to here to play, plied by upscale shopping centers and local vendors displaying their wares to crowds strolling the causeway. It's also the city's hippest nightlife district, home to elegant bars, casual clubs and other entertainment venues.
Visitors from around the city and world come to here to play, plied by upscale shopping centers and local vendors displaying their wares to crowds strolling the causeway. It's also the city's hippest nightlife district, home to elegant bars, casual clubs and other entertainment venues.
Practical Info
Wear a hat and sunscreen to best enjoy mostly shadeless Amador Malecón, with its magnificent views, fresh sea breezes, and festive attractions. Weekends get crowded.
Note that several local businesses, including taxis, inflate prices to take advantage of the cruise-ship set; be aware of inflated prices and avoid them.
Note that several local businesses, including taxis, inflate prices to take advantage of the cruise-ship set; be aware of inflated prices and avoid them.
Address: Avenida Amador, Panamá City, Panama
Hours: Open daily
From $ 39
Mi Pueblito
Panama is a melting pot of diverse cultures, including those of Spanish, African and indigenous roots. Traveling around the country to see how these different societies live is fascinating, but it can be a challenge to fit them all into one trip. Close to Panama City is Mi Pueblito, however, a little tourist town that has them all in just one place.
The town has life-size representations of villages found throughout the country, including a typical Spanish-style colonial town, complete with a public square with a Catholic church and mayor’s office. There’s also a school, a barber shop and houses with traditional kitchens and furnishings.
One area shows the lifestyle of Africans who came to Panama to work on the canal, with a typical Protestant church, wood houses and representations of well-known buildings that form part of Panamanian history. Visitors can also get a glimpse into the culture of an indigenous village, with the huts, tools and instruments the country’s indigenous people use. Members of this group sell their beautiful handmade crafts in Mi Pueblito, and there are also restaurants and cultural events that are hosted here on the weekends.
Practical Info
The entrance to Mi Pueblito is on the Avenida de Los Mártires at the foot of Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancón). The site is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and taxis are available from Panama City. Admission costs $5 for foreigners.
Address: Avenida de Los Mártires, Mi Pueblito, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From $ 65
Punta Culebra Nature Center
This outdoor museum is located on an island at the end of the Amador Causeway, a four-mile-long road on a strip of land made from soil and rock that was extracted during the construction of the Panama Canal. At Punta Culebra Nature Center, a total of 3.7 acres (1.5 hectares) are dedicated to the study of marine biodiversity and the great natural wealth found in the area.
The Smithsonian Foundation of Panama has a space here dedicated to marine science and education, as well as to the conservation of coastal environments. Visitors can learn about marine life in Panama and other regions of Central and South America through science exhibitions, movies and art exhibits. There is also a turtle tank and an aquarium comparing the marine life in the Pacific to that of the Caribbean. The touching pool provides the opportunity to come into close contact with starfish, stingrays, sea urchins and octopuses.
Outdoor paths wind through a dry tropical forest with birds and iguanas, and from the observation deck, visitors can appreciate the scenic views of the Panama Canal.
Practical Info
Located on the Amador Causeway, the Punta Culebra Nature Center is a 15-minute drive from the center of Panama City. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A voluntary contribution of $3 is requested for admission.
Address: Amador Causeway, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: A voluntary contribution of $3 is requested for admission.
From $ 75
Miraflores Locks
The world-famous Panama Canal is a must-see for visitors to Panama City, but to fully appreciate it, head to the Miraflores Locks. The engineering marvel in action is a mesmerizing scene, with some 700 tons (635 tonnes) of machinery, reinforced against the mighty Pacific, and cargo-laden ships squeezing through with just inches to spare.
The Basics
There are several locks in the Panama City area, including the Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, Gatun, and Cocoli locks. Closest to the city, the Miraflores Locks are the only site set up for visitors. Explore the state-of-the-art 4-story Visitors Center, where fascinating exhibitions, video and 3D film presentations, and interactive displays chronicle the building of the Panama Canal, its history, how it operates, and the passage of ships through the locks. Tickets include access to the two viewing terraces with a prime view over the locks.
A stop at the Miraflores Visitors Center is a popular inclusion on Panama City tours, often in combination with a drive through the Panama Canal Zone, a photo stop at the Bridge of the Americas, or a walking tour of Old Town (Casco Viejo), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Things to Know Before You Go
- On-site facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a restaurant with a view over the locks.
- Allow up to two hours for your visit, including time to watch the ships pass through the locks.
- Exhibitions are in both English and Spanish, and films alternate between English and Spanish language screenings.
- The Miraflores Visitor Center is fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to There
The Miraflores Locks are located about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from downtown Panama City. Buses to Paraíso or Gamboa from the Albrook Bus Terminal will drop you off along the highway, an around 15-minute signposted walk to the locks. Alternatively, taxis are easy to find and will often agree on a round-trip price, depending on how long you want to spend at the locks.
When to Get There
The locks are most exciting when the big ships arrive—typically between 9am–11:30am, and 3pm–5pm—and an early start is the best way to avoid the crowds.
Panama Canal
Built in 1914, the 51-mile-long (82 kilometer) waterway of the Panama Canal allows maritime traffic to pass along the narrow Isthmus of Panama, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans—saving ships an impressive 8,000 nautical miles (15,000 kilometers) of travel around South America. More than 14,000 ships pass through the canal each year, and many are purpose-built to fit through the narrow locks—just 110 feet (34 meters) wide.
Address: Panama Canal, Eastern Shore, Panama
Admission: Varies
From $ 50
Piedra Pintada
If visiting the Anton Valley, the Painted Rock (Piedra Pintada) is a must-see attraction. Located at the foot of the La India Dormida mountain, this large boulder has an underside covered with pre-Columbian petroglyphs.
Rumor has it that the Painted Rock tells the history of the area, but since no one has been able to decipher the petroglyphs, it’s still just a theory. Everyone that visits tends to just come to his or her own conclusion.
Whatever the accurate tale, this is also an ideal place for a long hike through the forest along the nearby river, which gives visitors the opportunity to see animals, butterflies and birds. To get the most out of the area, go with a guide that can tell you about the wildlife you’ll encounter along the way.
Practical Info
Buses can be caught from Anton Valley to the end of Calle La Pintada to get to the Painted Rock. The area is always open, and admission costs $2.
Address: Sendero de la Piedra Pintada, Valle de Anton, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Daily
Admission: $2
From $ 100
Contadora Island
A lush, volcanic archipelago lies just south of the capital, named for its iridescent undersea wealth: The Pearl Islands. Conquered by the Spanish in 1513, the 227 palm-fringed isles, famed for their postcard-perfect white beaches and clear aquamarine waters, once reported to gorgeous Isla Contadora, opulent seat of the Spanish pearl industry and closest major island to the capital.
Today, the old mansions of the "Counting Island" are owned by the international glitterati, who come to enjoy upscale dining and shopping options; snorkeling, diving, and kayaking off a dozen gorgeous beaches (including Panama's only clothing-optional playa); and hiking into the orchid-strewn highlands. Its easy access to the mainland and archipelago make it a great base for exploring paradise.
Today, the old mansions of the "Counting Island" are owned by the international glitterati, who come to enjoy upscale dining and shopping options; snorkeling, diving, and kayaking off a dozen gorgeous beaches (including Panama's only clothing-optional playa); and hiking into the orchid-strewn highlands. Its easy access to the mainland and archipelago make it a great base for exploring paradise.
Practical Info
The island of Contadora is located at the accessible northern tip of the
Pearl Islands, close to the capital. While it's certainly possible to
book a boat, it's cheaper and easier to go by plane; several flights
leave Panama City daily.
Contadora is a good base for exploring other area islands by ferry or private boat.
Contadora is a good base for exploring other area islands by ferry or private boat.
Address: Pacific Ocean, 50 miles (80km) southeast of Panama City, Panama
From $ 60
Panama Viejo Ruins
Long before smallpox, conquistadors, and Catholicism made the Americas safe for European occupation, a group of Spanish sailors laid claim to the indigenous settlement of Panamá, "Land of Plenty." It was August 15, 1519, and they had no sense of what their tiny village would one day become.
Though Panama City is considered "Oldest Permanent European Settlement on the Pacific," the original Panamá Viejo (Old Panama) was abandoned after a devastating 1671 attack by Captain Morgan's pirate army. Today, you can wander its worn remains, including the old cathedral and several stone buildings and walls.
The juxtaposition with modern Panama City, visible across the bay, is startling. Fascinating finds from ongoing archaeological excavations are displayed at the onsite museum.
Though Panama City is considered "Oldest Permanent European Settlement on the Pacific," the original Panamá Viejo (Old Panama) was abandoned after a devastating 1671 attack by Captain Morgan's pirate army. Today, you can wander its worn remains, including the old cathedral and several stone buildings and walls.
The juxtaposition with modern Panama City, visible across the bay, is startling. Fascinating finds from ongoing archaeological excavations are displayed at the onsite museum.
Practical Info
Buses to Panamá Viejo leave from the Avenida Central terminal (at Avenida Justo Arosemena), the same terminal serving Tocumen International Airport, throughout the day. Taxis are inexpensive and convenient.
Address: Calle 85 Este and Vía Cincuentenario, Panamá City, Panama
Hours: 9am – 4:30pm Monday to Saturday, 9am to 1pm Sunday
Admission: US$6
From $ 15
Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum
This popular museum and top Panama City attraction is located inside a stunning, well-restored colonial building that once housed the French and U.S. companies charged with building the canal. Visitors interested in learning more about the famous waterway can wander the halls of this beautiful four-story white and green structure where displays showcase information about the political, social and historical impact of the iconic Panama Canal. Although signage is in Spanish only, English-speaking guest can opt for audio tours for a small additional fee.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 5 Calle Este in Panama City. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is US$2.
Address: Calle 5a Este, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Admission: US$2
From $ 10
Afro-Antillean Museum (Museo Afro-Antillano de Panama)
The popular Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum may showcase the history, politics and influence of French and American workers who helped construct the Panama Canal, but the Afro-Antillean Museum is the place for travelers who want to learn more about the impact the nation’s West Indian community had on developing the infrastructure that still keeps this Central America destination up and running. Visitors can tour galleries and halls lined with images, stories and artifacts that showcase the dedication, drive and determination it took for West Indians to build local railroads and canals.
Practical Info
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Admission is approximately US$1. It is easily accessible using the Estacion 5 de Mayo train station.
Address: Panama City, Panama
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Admission: US $1
From $ 60